FABARM Fast 20 & Fast 14

     Notes: The Fast 20 is a gas-operated shotgun which, like some other Italian semiautomatic shotguns, does not allow the user to charge the weapon by simply operating the bolt; an additional step must be performed. This does, however, allow the user to load rounds that are not used as often, such as shotgun flares, flame rounds, etc., without unloading the shotgun.  The typical model has a synthetic stock, but the design allows for the use of a folding stock and pistol grip since there are no operating components in the stock.  The cocking handle and safety are both oversized.  The top of the receiver features a MIL-STD-1913 rail.  The FABARM Fast also has a magazine empty indicator.  The Fast 20 has a 20-inch barrel; the Fast 14 has a 14-inch barrel.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Fast 20 (Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 3”

3 kg

7 Tubular

$708

Fast 20 (Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 3”

2.8 kg

7 Tubular

$653

Fast 14 (Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 3”

2.87 kg

5 Tubular

$677

Fast 14 (Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 3”

2.43 kg

5 Tubular

$622

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Fast 20 (Fixed Stock)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6

4

Nil

49

Fast 20 (Folding Stock)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

5/6

5

Nil

49

Fast 14 (Fixed Stock)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5

4

Nil

30

Fast 14 (Folding Stock)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/5

5

Nil

30

 

FABARM SAT-8

     Notes: The SAT-8 was designed specifically for police SRT-type teams, for use in quick entries and CQB.  The barrel seems to be a bit long at 20 inches, but the semi-bullpup design coupled with an underbarrel tubular magazine helps keep overall length shorter than one might expect, while making better use of the wide variety of shells the SAT-8 may use (the SAT-8 may use any sort of 2.75” shell except for riot-type or rubber-pellet ammunition).  Construction is of light alloy and synthetics wherever possible, and steel operating parts and barrel.  The receiver is topped with a MIL-STD-1913 rail; an adjustable ghost ring rear and a protected post front sight are also available.  The fore-end also has a MIL-STD-1913 rail for further accessory mounting.  The SAT-8’s charging handle is oversized so that the shooter can easily grip it even when wearing heavy gloves.  The SAT-8 uses an operating system called by FABARM “Pulse Gas Operation;” this not only cycles the shotgun, it helps reduce felt recoil (but is the primary reason that riot-type and rubber ammunition will not work in the SAT-8).  An optional accessory is a stand-off device for the muzzle; this device not only makes blowing the hinges and locks off of doors easier, but acts as a low-efficiency muzzle brake.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

SAT-8

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.95 kg

5 Tubular

$665

SAT-8 w/Brake

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.02 kg

5 Tubular

$716

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

SAT-8

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6

4

Nil

43

SAT-8 w/Brake

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6

3

Nil

43

 

Fausti Progress

     Notes: This is one of the few semiautomatic designs that Fausti has ever made, and the only one still being marketed.  It is a gas-operated magnum shotgun designed for 12 gauge, and is fairly light in weight for a shotgun of its type.  This is primarily due to the design of the receiver, which uses light Ergal-55 alloy in its housing to lighten the weapon.  The barrel is designed to use only interchangeable chokes (whether internal or external), and is not sold in a fixed-choke version.  The top of the barrel has a ventilated sighting rib.  The stock and fore-end are of walnut of average quality, with the stock being of the pistol grip-wrist type. 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Progress

12 Gauge 3”

3.2 kg

4 Tubular

$663

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Progress

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

70

 

Franchi 48AL

     Notes: This shotgun first appeared in 1948, and has been continually upgraded since, with new types of wood, new metal technology, and new production methods.  In its present form it is a recoil-operated semiautomatic shotgun with receiver housing of light alloy, and is to a large extent based on the Browning Auto-5 design.  The type of recoil mechanism used means that while the Model 48AL will work quite well with standard shotgun shell types and loads, light loads or unusual projectiles can easily jam the mechanism; basically, any type of shell which causes low recoil energy can cause a hard jam.  The 48AL (also known as the 48/AL) is unusual in that the magnum versions are separate from the versions chambered for standard-length shells.  Extended magazines are available with capacities of up to 9 rounds (as well as plugged magazines with capacities as low as two rounds), but the standard magazine size is shown below. 

     The standard Model 48AL has a matte black finish to the receiver housing, and blued barrel; a version known as the Model 48AL Black Magic has a glossy black finish for the receiver housing and a matte-black-finished barrel (but is identical to the base model for game purposes).  Another, finer version, the Black Magic Hunter, is the same as the Black Magic, but has engraved hunting scenes on the sides of the receiver housing, inlaid with gold (and is also identical to base model for game purposes).  The barrels of all are made from chrome-moly steel, internally hard-chromed. 

     Earlier versions of the 12 gauge version of the Model 48AL were equipped with either fixed chokes of the buyer’s choice or interchangeable chokes of the Franchok or Variomix types; however, since 1995, the 12 gauge Model 48AL has been sold with Inchok interchangeable chokes.  The type of alloy used in the receiver housing has also been changed, lightening the weapon.  The 20 and 28 gauge models have also been equipped with the same chokes (both past and present), but the 28 gauge model is available in one barrel length, while several are available for the 20 gauge version. 

     There is two further versions of the Model 48AL which bear mentioning.  The top-of-line Model 48 Fenice has a stock and fore-end made from select European walnut root, and the receiver housing is made from silver-finished light alloy, with engraved bird scenes inlaid with gold; it comes only with a 2.75” chamber and only with a 26-inch barrel.  The Model 48AL Slug Gun is designed only for 12 gauge 2.75” shells, and has a 24-inch barrel and rifle-type sights.  (Other versions of the Model 48AL have a sighting rib.)  The Slug Gun is identical to the 24-inch-barrel 12 gauge version for game purposes.

     The 48AL (and Franchi shotguns in general) were for a long time sold in North America by Stoeger and later by FIE, but are now sold by Heckler & Koch in North America (though still under the Franchi name).

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The 1995+ versions were produced only in a very short run, making them quite rare; Franchi turned its production almost exclusively to military and police production after this point.  The Fenice version was never produced.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 48AL (24” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.9 kg

4 Tubular

$606

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.93 kg

4 Tubular

$616

Franchi 48AL (28” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.99 kg

4 Tubular

$626

Franchi 48AL (30” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.01 kg

4 Tubular

$636

Franchi 48AL (24” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 3”

2.97 kg

4 Tubular

$647

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 3”

3 kg

4 Tubular

$657

Franchi 48AL (28” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 3”

3.06 kg

4 Tubular

$668

Franchi 48AL (30” Barrel, pre-1995)

12 Gauge 3”

3.1 kg

4 Tubular

$678

Franchi 48AL (24” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.6 kg

4 Tubular

$601

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.63 kg

4 Tubular

$611

Franchi 48AL (28” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.67 kg

4 Tubular

$621

Franchi 48AL (30” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.7 kg

4 Tubular

$632

Franchi 48AL (24” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 3”

2.67 kg

4 Tubular

$642

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 3”

2.7 kg

4 Tubular

$652

Franchi 48AL (28” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 3”

2.75 kg

4 Tubular

$663

Franchi 48AL (30” Barrel, 1995+)

12 Gauge 3”

2.79 kg

4 Tubular

$673

Franchi 48AL (23.625” Barrel)

20 Gauge 2.75”

2.54 kg

4 Tubular

$471

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel)

20 Gauge 2.75”

2.59 kg

4 Tubular

$483

Franchi 48AL (28” Barrel)

20 Gauge 2.75”

2.69 kg

4 Tubular

$494

Franchi 48AL (23.625” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.6 kg

4 Tubular

$501

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.65 kg

4 Tubular

$513

Franchi 48AL (28” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.7 kg

4 Tubular

$523

Franchi 48AL (26” Barrel)

28 Gauge 2.75”

2.5 kg

4 Tubular

$418

Franchi 48AL Fenice

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.63 kg

4 Tubular

$616

Franchi 48AL Fenice

20 Gauge 2.75”

2.61 kg

4 Tubular

$483

Franchi 48AL Fenice

28 Gauge 2.75”

2.5 kg

4 Tubular

$418

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

48AL (24”, 12 GA, 2.75”, pre-1995)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

52

48AL (26”, 12 GA, 2.75”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

8

5

Nil

57

48AL (28”, 12 GA, 2.75”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

62

48AL (30”, 12 GA, 2.75”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

67

48AL (24”, 12 GA, 3”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

59

48AL (26”, 12 GA, 3”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

65

48AL (28”, 12 GA, 3”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

70

48AL (30”, 12 GA, 3”, pre-1995)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

76

 48AL (24”, 12 GA, 2.75”, 1995+)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

52

 48AL (26”, 12 GA, 2.75”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

8

5

Nil

57

 48AL (28”, 12 GA, 2.75”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

62

 48AL (30”, 12 GA, 2.75”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

67

 48AL (24”, 12 GA, 3”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

59

 48AL (26”, 12 GA, 3”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

65

 48AL (28”, 12 GA, 3”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

70

 48AL (30”, 12 GA, 3”, 1995+)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

76

 48AL (23.625”, 20 GA, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

43

 48AL (26”, 20 GA, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

48

 48AL (28”, 20 GA, 2.75”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

52

 48AL (23.625”, 20 GA, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

49

 48AL (26”, 20 GA, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

55

 48AL (28”, 20 GA, 3”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

59

 48AL (26”, 28 GA)

SA

3/1d6x16 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

43

 48AL Fenice (12 GA)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

8

5

Nil

57

 48AL Fenice (20 GA)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

48

 48AL Fenice (28 GA)

SA

3/1d6x16 or 2d6x4

2-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

43

 

Franchi 610VS

     Notes: The Model 610VS (Variopress) is a semiautomatic hunting shotgun which incorporates a recoil piston that reduces recoil when firing heavy loads.  It is a good-looking, yet also functional shotgun, with good workmanship.  The bolt is quite beefy to handle the magnum shells that it fires and remain reliable.  The barrel is cold-forged and chrome-lined, with a full-length ventilated sighting rib.  The Model 610VS uses screw-in Franchoke interchangeable choke tubes (Improved Cylinder, Modified, and Full).  The receiver is made from light alloy and finished in matte black, while the barrel is blued, and hard chromed inside.  The Model 610VS is gas-operated, and button in front of the trigger guard allows the feed from the magazine to be stopped and the weapon hand-loaded.  The stock is made from European walnut and has a rubber recoil pad on the butt.  It has a pistol-grip wrist and is finished in semi-gloss.  There are two variants, which are identical to the standard version for game purposes.  The Model 610VSL has an engraved receiver housing; the more deluxe VGSL has a silver-colored receiver housing with intricate and extensive engraving, inlaid with gold. 

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 610VS (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.1 kg

4 Tubular

$642

Franchi 610VS (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.13 kg

4 Tubular

$652

Franchi 610VS (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.17 kg

4 Tubular

$663

Franchi 610VS (30” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.2 kg

4 Tubular

$673

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Franchi 610VS (24”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

59

Franchi 610VS (26”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

65

Franchi 610VS (28”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

70

Franchi 610VS (30”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

76

 

Franchi 612VS

     Notes: This shotgun is similar to the Model 610VS, in that it is also equipped with the Variopress system, has similar gas operation, and is constructed in a similar manner and of the same materials.  The Model 612, however, is equipped with either fixed chokes of the customer’s choice, or supplied with Inchok interchangeable chokes.  Built with slightly more advanced materials, the Model 612VS is slightly lighter than the 610VS, though has the same barrel lengths.  The drop and length of the stock may be changed with a set of spacers supplied with the Model 612VS.  There are other versions of the Model 612VS (identical for game purposes); the Model 610VSL has an engraved receiver housing, the VGSL has a silver-colored receiver housing with gold-inlaid engraving, a version of the Model 612VS with a matte black receiver housing, and the Model 612VS Grifone with a bare metal receiver housing which is engraved and inlaid with gold.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Model 612VS with the matte black receiver housing and the Model 612VS Grifone do not exist.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 612VS (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.95 kg

4 Tubular

$642

Franchi 612VS (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.97 kg

4 Tubular

$652

Franchi 612VS (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.98 kg

4 Tubular

$663

Franchi 612VS (30” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3 kg

4 Tubular

$673

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Franchi 612VS (24”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

59

Franchi 612VS (26”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

65

Franchi 612VS (28”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

70

Franchi 612VS (30”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

76

 

Franchi 620VS

     Notes: This is basically the Model 612VS adapted to fire 20 gauge ammunition.  Though it has the nomenclature “VS,” it does not use the Variopress system – instead, it uses the Reverpress system, where the gas piston can be reversed for firing heavier shot loads or special ammunition which produces more recoil than normal.  This makes the Model 620VS lighter, and not simply because the gun is of a smaller gauge – the Reverpress system is simpler and lighter.  The barrels are made for Inchok interchangeable chokes.  There is a deluxe model, the Model 620VS Grifone, with a silver-colored receiver housing with intricate engraving inlaid with gold.  It is identical to the standard model for game purposes. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Model 620VS does not exist.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 620VS (24” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.7 kg

4 Tubular

$498

Franchi 620VS (26” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.75 kg

4 Tubular

$508

Franchi 620VS (28” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.8 kg

4 Tubular

$518

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Franchi 620VS (24”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

50

Franchi 620VS (26”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

55

Franchi 620VS (28”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

59

 

Franchi 712VS

     Notes: This shotgun may be considered a development of the Model 612VS; in fact, the differences between the Models 612VS and 712VS are so small that the Model 712VS is more an incremental update of the Model 612VS instead of a redesign.  Externally, the most obvious difference is the more streamlined receiver housing; another is a slightly wider sighting rib.  Some versions of the Model 712VS are also sold with an interchangeable slug barrel; this is not rifled, but has rifle-style sights instead of a sighting rib, and is only 24 inches long.  There are a number of variants of the Model 712VS, mostly different in their weight or fanciness.  The Model 712VS Camo Timber has a wooden stock finished with a camouflage pattern of autumn leaves; the receiver housing and barrel are finished with the same pattern.  (It is known in North America as the Model 712 Advantage Timber.)  It is equipped with Inchok interchangeable chokes, and has no slug barrel.  The Model 712VS Grifone is the deluxe version; there are actually two versions of the Grifone, the Grifone White, with a silver-colored receiver housing, and Grifone Black, with a matte black receiver housing.  Both are engraved with birds which are inlaid with Gold.  The Grifone may have fixed chokes of the customer’s choice or Inchok interchangeable chokes.  The Model 712VS Synthetic has a matte black synthetic stock and fore-end; this has no effect on the weight of the weapon.  The Synthetic has Inchok interchangeable chokes.  The Model 712VS Syntwood is a variant of the Synthetic in which the synthetic stock is finished with a simulated wood grain.  The Model 712VS Wood is sort of a base model; it has a walnut stock and fore-end, a matte black receiver housing and blued barrel, and is actually somewhat lighter than the other models.  The Model 712 Light is a version of the Model 712 which has no “VS” in its designation because it uses the Reverpress reversible piston system instead of the Variopress system.  It does not have a version with a 30-inch barrel, and weights about the same as the Model 712VS Wood.  Most of these versions are identical for game purposes and have no separate entry on the tables below; the exception is the Model 712VS Wood, which has a somewhat different weight, and the Synthetic, which has a somewhat different cost. (The Syntwood has the same cost as the Synthetic.)

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This shotgun does not exist.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 712VS (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.9 kg

4 Tubular

$642

Franchi 712VS (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.93 kg

4 Tubular

$652

Franchi 712VS (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.97 kg

4 Tubular

$663

Franchi 712VS (30” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3 kg

4 Tubular

$673

Franchi 712VS Synthetic (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.9 kg

4 Tubular

$652

Franchi 712VS Synthetic (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.93 kg

4 Tubular

$662

Franchi 712VS Synthetic (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.97 kg

4 Tubular

$673

Franchi 712VS Synthetic (30” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3 kg

4 Tubular

$683

Franchi 712VS Wood (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.85 kg

4 Tubular

$642

Franchi 712VS Wood (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.9 kg

4 Tubular

$652

Franchi 712VS Wood (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

2.95 kg

4 Tubular

$663

                       

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Franchi 712 VS (24”, All)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

59

Franchi 712 VS (26”, All)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

65

Franchi 712 VS (28”, All)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

70

Franchi 712 VS (30”, All)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

6

Nil

76

 

Franchi 720

     Notes: Though the name might seem to indicate that this is simply a 20 gauge version of the Model 712VS (just as the Model 620VS is a 20 gauge version of the Model 612VS), the Model 720 is in fact based on the Model 620VS, and was developed specifically to be a 20 gauge shotgun.  Like the Model 620VS, the Model 720 uses the Reverpress system, where the gas piston is placed in the weapon one way for light or standard loads, and reversed for heavier loads and certain special cartridges.  Like the Model 712VS, the receiver housing is more streamlined than the Model 620VS, but is still constructed of light alloy, and has a chrome-moly steel barrel equipped with Inchok interchangeable chokes and a sighting rib.  There are three versions: The Model 720 Wood, a sort of base model with a walnut stock and matte black receiver housing; the Model 720 Grifone Black, with a matte black receiver housing that is intricately engraved and gold inlaid, and a better-quality walnut stock and fore-end; and the Model 720 Grifone White, which is the same as the Grifone Black, but has a receiver housing of silver-finished alloy.  All these weapons are identical for game terms.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This shotgun does not exist.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 720 (24” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.75 kg

4 Tubular

$498

Franchi 720 (26” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.8 kg

4 Tubular

$508

Franchi 720 (28” Barrel)

20 Gauge 3”

2.85 kg

4 Tubular

$518

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Franchi 720 (24”)

SA

4/1d6x20 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

50

Franchi 720 (26”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

5

Nil

55

Franchi 720 (28”)

SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

59

 

Franchi 912 Variomax

     Notes:  This shotgun is a development of the Model 612VS; it is essentially a Model 612VS redesigned to fire 12 gauge 3.5” shells.  The chrome-molybdenum steel barrels are equipped with Inchok interchangeable chokes, and the bores are hard-chromed for durability.  They have large ventilated sighting ribs above the barrel.  There are several versions of the Variomax: the Model 912 Wood, with a walnut stock and fore-end, the Model 912 Synthetic with a matte black synthetic stock and fore-end, and the Model 912 Advantage Camo Timber has a wooden stock and fore-end, and the entire weapon is overprinted with an autumn woodland camouflage pattern.  (All these shotguns are identical for game purposes, except for the cost of the Synthetic.)  All have light alloy receiver housings and blued barrels.  Despite the name, the Variomax does not use the Variopress system; instead, it uses a modification of the Reverpress system, where the gas piston is put in one way for light and standard loads, and reversed for heavy and special loads.  The butt of the Variomax has a thick rubber recoil pad, and the stock also houses a special shock absorber tube which is filled with mercury; the inertia of the moving mercury upon firing helps dampen recoil.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: Introduced in 2003, this shotgun does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Franchi 912 (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.35 kg

4 Tubular

$801

Franchi 912 (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.38 kg

4 Tubular

$811

Franchi 912 (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.42 kg

4 Tubular

$821

Franchi 912 (30” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.45 kg

4 Tubular

$831

Franchi 912 Synthetic (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.35 kg

4 Tubular

$811

Franchi 912 Synthetic (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.38 kg

4 Tubular

$821

Franchi 912 Synthetic (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.42 kg

4 Tubular

$831

Franchi 912 Synthetic (30” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3.5”

3.45 kg

4 Tubular

$841

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Franchi 912 (24”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

4

Nil

65

Franchi 912 (26”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

4

Nil

71

Franchi 912 (28”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

4

Nil

77

Franchi 912 (30”)

SA

5/1d6x36 or 2d6x8 or 3d6x4

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil or 1-Nil

8

4

Nil

83

 

Franchi Affinity Catalyst

     Notes: These are semiautomatic shotguns designed for fowling and competition.  They were designed from the ground up to be especially sized for a woman.  They do not have pink colors or other “girly” things about them; the LOP, drop, and heel are all made for the average woman’s stature and build.  The Catalyst is made lighter, and has a semi-pistol grip and reach to the trigger are designed for smaller hands.  The Catalyst has the Benelli Inertia Driven system, which is important for a woman who has on the average less upper body strength and yet needs reliability.  The stock is of A-Grade Satin Walnut; external metalwork is black Cerekote.  Alternate stocks include black synthetic, RealTree APG, and RealTree Max-5. The stock has a thick recoil pad and a raised cheekpiece. The barrel is 28 inches; it is not chopped like most women’s shotguns are.  There is a sighting rib above the barrel, with a red bead at the front of the rail.  The Catalyst comes with three screw-in Crio choke tubes and a shim kit.  Though designed for women, recoil is hefty due to the light weight.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Affinity Catalyst

12 Gauge 2.75” and 3”

2.99 kg

5 Tubular

$734

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Affinity Catalyst (2.75”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

4

Nil

62

Affinity Catalyst (3”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

5

Nil

70

 

Franchi Inertia I-12

     Notes: New for 2005, the Inertia I-12 is a semiautomatic shotgun using a new method of operation – inertia driving.  The bolt is free-floating, and working parts which are normally fixed are driven backward by the recoil of the gun.  This compresses an inertia spring, which throws the mechanism back forward and operates the mechanism as well as loading the next round.  This results in a weapon with relatively low recoil.  A gel pad behind the trigger protects the shooter’s finger as the inertia mechanism operates.  The butt also has a thick gel pad to further soak up felt recoil.  This mechanism is a bit more complicated, but since it has no bulky gas cylinders or tubes, the I-12 is able to be made very slender and with relatively light weight.  The standard stock is synthetic, normally black in color but several other colors and camouflage patterns are available.  A walnut stock is also available.  The barrel has a ventilated sighting rib above it.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This shotgun does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

Inertia I-12 (24” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.4 kg

4 Tubular

$801

Inertia I-12 (26” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.45 kg

4 Tubular

$811

Inertia I-12 (28” Barrel)

12 Gauge 3”

3.49 kg

4 Tubular

$821

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

Inertia I-12 (24”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

3

Nil

59

Inertia I-12 (26”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

7

3

Nil

65

Inertia I-12 (28”)

SA

5/1d6x32 or 2d6x8

2-4-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

8

4

Nil

70

 

Franchi SPAS-11/SPAS-12/LAW-12

     Notes:  The SPAS-11 (Special Purpose Automatic Shotgun) is a shotgun that was designed from the outset for police and military use rather than civilian sporting.  It was meant to be intuitive to aim and shoot, and require as little training as possible for effective use.  The butt is a folding one that can be locked under the arm to allow one-handed shooting.  The finish is utilitarian, with a light alloy frame sandblasted and phosphated in black.  Perhaps the most unusual aspect of the SPAS-11 is its action; with a simple push of a button, the shotgun may be switched from semiautomatic to pump-action.  This allows the SPAS-11 to have the firepower of a semiautomatic shotgun, yet switch to pump-action to allow the use of ammunition that will not fed properly in semiautomatic mode, or simply to conserve ammunition.  Another unusual feature is the ability to use certain muzzle attachments; one is a shot spreader that reduces the short range to 10 meters (and spreads the pattern much earlier), and an adapter that allows the SPAS-11 to fire rifle or conventional grenades.  The SPAS-11 was phased out in favor of the SPAS-12, but can still be found in good numbers in Italy.

     The SPAS-12 may be regarded as a more-developed version of the SPAS-11.   The SPAS-12 has most of the same features and construction as the SPAS-11, but the folding stock is shaped with a distinctive “curl” at the end which allows one-handed firing while bracing the stock under the arm.  A fixed polymer stock for the SPAS-12 is also available, but not very common.  In addition to the shot spreader and grenade launcher, the SPAS-12 may also be equipped with a mount atop the receiver for optical sights or other accessories.  The SPAS-12 may also be given any sort of choke required through the use of screw-in choke tubes.

     Developed from the SPAS-12, the LAW-12 is basically a semiautomatic-only version of the SPAS-12.  It is considered one of the best Italian combat shotguns – light, long-barreled, and equally adept at firing shot, slugs, or special ammunition.  The combination of light weight and a pistol grip allow for easy one-handed shooting, and the LAW-12 has an interchangeable choke system as well as being able to use the same accessories as the SPAS-11 and SPAS-12.  The LAW-12 has two safeties, a large safety on the right front of the trigger guard for normal safing of the weapon (locking both the bolt and the magazine), and a quick reaction safety on the left front of the trigger guard that can be quickly flicked off for combat use.  If only the quick reaction safety is used, the user may change the shell in the chamber while not having to unload the entire magazine.  Standard sights are rifle-types similar to those of the SPAS-12, but the LAW-12 can also be equipped with a variety of sight and accessory mounts, including a MIL-STD-1913 rail.  Standard construction includes metalwork of lightweight steel for the receiver and magazine and heavier steel for the working parts and the 21.5-inch barrel.  The stock is normally synthetic with a pistol grip and a synthetic fore-end, but the buttstock may be replaced with a folding stock similar to that of the SPAS-11, or a skeletonized synthetic Choate lightweight stock.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The SPAS-12 was in common issue to US Army and Marine MPs and Air Force SPs during the Twilight War.  The LAW-12 is a rather rare weapon, normally used only by Italian armed forces.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

SPAS-11

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.85 kg

8 Tubular

$836

SPAS-12 (Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.31 kg

9 Tubular

$834

SPAS-12 (Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.77 kg

9 Tubular

$823

LAW-12 (Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.99 kg

8 Tubular

$615

LAW-12 (Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.93 kg

8 Tubular

$595

LAW-12 (Choate Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

2.86 kg

8 Tubular

$598

Shot Spreader

NA

0.1 kg

NA

$25

Grenade Launcher Attachment

NA

0.25 kg

NA

$50

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

SPAS-11

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

5/7

4

Nil

42

SPAS-12 (Folding)

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

5/6

4

Nil

41

SPAS-12 (Fixed)

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6

4

Nil

41

LAW-12 (Folding)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

5/7

5

Nil

46

LAW-12 (Fixed)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

46

LAW-12 (Choate)

SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

5

Nil

46

 

Franchi SPAS-15

     Notes: The SPAS-15 began in the mid-1980s as an attempt to turn the SPAS-12 into a magazine-fed weapon and resulted in a new weapon related to the SPAS-12 only to a very small extent.  The original impetus for the development of the SPAS-15 came a request from NATO and the US for a new combat shotgun (the same one that generated weapons such as the H&K CAWS), but in the end, the requirement for a new combat shotgun was dropped.  Low-rate sales ensued until 1999, when the Italian Army bought some 2000 SPAS-15s for use in peacekeeping operations in the Balkans.

     Though the SPAS-15 is also a shotgun which can function semiautomatically or by pump-action, the operation of the SPAS-15 is very different from the SPAS-11 or SPAS-12.  In semiautomatic mode, the SPAS-15 is a gas-operated rotating bolt weapon, while in pump-action mode, it does function in a similar manner to the SPAS-12.  The SPAS-15 is very different internally due to being a magazine-fed weapon instead of feeding from an underbarrel tube.  The receiver of the SPAS-15 is all-steel, as is the barrel; magazines are proprietary and made from aluminum, while parts such as the stock, pump slide, and pistol grip are of high-impact plastic.  The top of the receiver has a rear notch sight within a carrying handle; the front sight is a hooded blade.  The carrying handle is capable of mounting some accessories or optics, but the selection is narrow and this is not the handle’s primary function.  Underneath the carrying handle is the charging handle.  Most SPAS-15s have been built with a side-folding stock, but a fixed stock is also available.  Barrels are 18 or 24 inches, with the 18-inch barrel being far more common than the 24-inch barrel.  Both have bores which are chrome-plated.  The barrels may be given virtually any choke using screw-in choke tubes.  The muzzle can mount grenade launchers and shot spreaders like those of the SPAS-11 and SPAS-12, or a standoff attachment which also functions as a muzzle brake.

     In an effort to appeal to military and special operations, Franchi briefly sold a version with a 16” barrel. It was tested by many countries, but the overall impression among the military community was that a SPAS-15 two inches shorter was not enough of an increase in utility in CQB.  Like the other versions of the SPAS-15, the barrels can take screw-in choke tubes, and the muzzle can mount grenade launchers and shot spreaders, as well as the special standoff attachment/muzzle brake.

     The SPAS-15 ran afoul of US arms laws early in the importation of them from Franchi.  The numbers of SPAS-15s in the US were grandfathered in, but that number was at the most 100 examples, and possibly as little as 25.  Current users of the SPAS-15 include the Italian Army, who issues them to peacekeeping troops and for some limited use as door-openers, and the Serbian special ops unit, the Special Brigade.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Italians made significant use of the SPAS-15 during the Twilight War.

Weapon

Ammunition

Weight

Magazines

Price

SPAS-15 (16” Barrel, Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.85 kg

3, 6, 8

$583

SPAS-15 (16” Barrel, Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.85 kg

3, 6, 8

$563

SPAS-15 (16” Barrel, Folding Stock, Brake)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.87 kg

3, 6, 8

$634

SPAS-15 (16” Barrel, Fixed Stock, Brake)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.87 kg

3, 6, 8

$614

SPAS-15 (18” Barrel, Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.9 kg

3, 6, 8

$634

SPAS-15 (18” Barrel, Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

3.9 kg

3, 6, 8

$616

SPAS-15 (18” Barrel, Folding Stock, Brake)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.02 kg

3, 6, 8

$670

SPAS-15 (18” Barrel, Fixed Stock, Brake)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.02 kg

3, 6, 8

$655

SPAS-15 (24” Barrel, Folding Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.06 kg

3, 6, 8

$655

SPAS-15 (24” Barrel, Fixed Stock)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.06 kg

3, 6, 8

$640

SPAS-15 (24” Barrel, Folding Stock, Brake)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.18 kg

3, 6, 8

$693

SPAS-15 (24” Barrel, Fixed Stock, Brake)

12 Gauge 2.75”

4.18 kg

3, 6, 8

$678

 

Weapon

ROF

Damage

Pen

Bulk

SS

Burst

Range

SPAS-15 (16”, Folding)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6

4

Nil

33

SPAS-15 (16”, Fixed)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6

4

Nil

33

SPAS-15 (16”, Folding, Brake)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

4/6

3

Nil

33

SPAS-15 (16”, Fixed, Brake)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6

3

Nil

33

SPAS-15 (18”, Folding)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5/6

4

Nil

38

SPAS-15 (18”, Fixed)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6

4

Nil

38

SPAS-15 (18”, Folding, Brake)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

5/6

3

Nil

38

SPAS-15 (18”, Fixed, Brake)

PA/SA

4/1d6x24 or 2d6x4

2-3-Nil/Nil or 1-Nil

6

3

Nil

38

SPAS-15 (24”, Folding)

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6/7

4

Nil

52

SPAS-15 (24”, Fixed)

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

4

Nil

52

SPAS-15 (24”, Folding, Brake)

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

6/7

3

Nil

52

SPAS-15 (24”, Fixed, Brake)

PA/SA

4/1d6x28 or 2d6x8

2-3-Nil/Nil or Nil

7

3

Nil

52